Thieves are set for a big freeze in a major Christmas crackdown. Police today launched a month-long campaign across the Northumbria police force area aiming to "Freeze Out" criminal activity.

The blitz unites all the regular area command seasonal crime crackdowns under one banner.

Officers will be working to isolate criminals who traditionally target cars, homes and shops at this time of year.

Assistant Chief Constable David Warcup said: "This is a seasonal wake-up call for all criminals.

"Area commands will be organising their own initiatives as usual in the run-up to Christmas and into the New Year, focusing on problems which are specific to their locations.

"However, everything is being done with one clear aim. We don't want the season of goodwill to be blighted by criminals."

The campaign is supported by a series of posters and bus back advertising which alerts the public to:

Nthefts from cars and homes

Npurse, wallet and mobile phone thefts

Ndrink driving

Ndomestic violence.

He added: "Obvious seasonal targets for criminals are homes and cars where presents are on display. By making sure they are out of sight in the boot and kept well away from windows at home you can do a lot to avoid spoiling your festivities.

"Christmas is also a time when stress can build up in relationships and boil over into violence. We take all reports of domestic violence seriously."

All 15 area commands, supported by specialist departments including operational support and community safety, have drawn up a programme of activity. It includes: